Rooney backs Rashford to become a superstar

That was the only match for England manager Sam Allardyce before his shock departure last week and, with interim boss Southgate preparing to name his side for Saturday's qualifier against Malta, Rooney has been quizzed about his preferred role once again.

The former Sunderland boss had overseen just one match for the Three Lions - a 1-0 win over Slovakia on September 4 to kick off their 2018 World Cup qualifying campaign.

Manchester United skipper Rooney will retain the England captaincy under interim manager Gareth Southgate despite poor performances this season that have resulted in him losing his starting spot at club level.

Rooney has since reported for worldwide duty with England and, speaking at a press conference on Tuesday afternoon, the 30-year-old was asked about the adjustment of starting for United. I've said before, I knew the Watford game I didn't play well.

"Always playing with an experienced player is good, learning new things, with whoever I play with".

"His leadership of the group has really impressed me, his maturity".

"Obviously I am not starting at the minute with Manchester United and I have to work hard to try to get back in the starting XI, which I am doing, and when I get my chances I have to take them". I suffered from that.

I got battered in many different ways for my performance, which I felt was actually a decent performance.

"It was over the top". As I say, I am enjoying my football, I am trying to take in as much as I can and learn a new style of play with new team-mates and a new club. I expect us to be controlling the game.

"As long as we perform well hopefully we won't see it, but if everyone's not completely ready then that side of us will have to come out".

"I've got to look at the balance of the team and I've got to look at the squad that we have", Southgate said.

"Whether it's Jags (Phil Jagielka), Chris (Smalling), sometimes you're not going to play and watching from the sidelines, watching those guys, trying to improve off them I suppose. But it has all blown up".

"That's part of being involved at this level", he said.

"Sam knew he made a mistake", Rooney said.

Jose Mourinho's arrival at United to replace Louis van Gaal has seen Rooney shifted back to a more attacking berth. "I think you can all see his ability and the effect he's had on games, but it's his maturity around the camp - he was still the youngest in the under-21 squad".

"I want this form to continue and you have the support of the team mates too".